In 2024, Parallel TCG underwent a major transition, moving from a product developed externally to one built entirely in-house. This shift involved the migration of all systems, including code, deployment pipelines, and infrastructure, to an internal team structure. The transition began in the second quarter of 2024 and was completed by the end of the year. As of October 2024, the team successfully executed its first deployment using a fully internal build pipeline. This period also marked the expansion of the internal team across departments such as development, design, UI, quality assurance, and marketing. The process of taking over a product developed by a third party required extensive effort and coordination, as the original client and server architecture had not been built by the current team.

Parallel TCG 2025 Updates and Roadmap

More About Parallel 

Parallel distinguishes itself with a free-to-play model set in a futuristic sci-fi universe where players collect cards, build decks, and engage in strategic battles for control of Earth, millennia ahead of time. Players can combine cards from five distinct factions alongside a universal pool to create personalized 40-card decks, each offering unique gameplay dynamics.

The game's innovation extends beyond its gameplay mechanics. Unlike traditional models, Parallel rewards both paying and free-to-play users with opportunities to earn cards through gameplay, weekly and monthly giveaways, in-game tournaments, and a battle pass system. This inclusive approach aims to foster a robust and engaged player community.

"At its core, Parallel empowers players to strategize and compete across various modes," remarked Franklin Fitch, Head of Partnerships at Parallel Studios. "With offerings ranging from unranked and AI matches for casual players to competitive Ranked Ladder and Tournament Modes, Parallel caters to diverse gaming preferences." Parallel took home an impressive three awards during our prestigious GAM3 Awards, which took place on November 22nd.

Parallel TCG 2025 Updates and Roadmap

Matchmaking System Overhaull

Between late 2024 and early 2025, significant improvements were made to the matchmaking system. The service previously relied on a backend prone to outages and offered limited control to the development team. Additionally, the matchmaking rating (MMR) algorithm frequently resulted in matchups between players of widely varying skill levels. Following the migration to a new service, outages have been reduced and the team now has more oversight and ability to address issues as they arise. The updated MMR algorithm has led to more balanced and fair matchups, as reflected in player feedback. The team continues to monitor and refine the system, addressing occasional bugs related to match connectivity, with fixes expected in early June 2025. As the player base grows, the algorithm's accuracy is expected to improve further.

Parallel TCG 2025 Updates and Roadmap

Expansion Content Development

The release of the Aftermath expansion in November 2024 marked a milestone for the team, as it was the first new content deployment developed partially by the internal engineering group. Approximately 40 percent of the set was produced in-house, with the remainder completed by the previous external partner. This release required several post-launch hotfixes, particularly to address card behavior issues that led to soft locks. Looking ahead, the Deception expansion is scheduled for release in August 2025 and will be the first expansion fully developed and tested internally. Internal testing for Deception began at the end of May 2025, with a public test server planned to go live for a limited group by late June, eventually expanding to include all players ahead of the official launch.

Parallel TCG 2025 Updates and Roadmap

Addressing Game Stability and Soft Locks

During the third and fourth quarters of 2024, the game faced stability issues, particularly related to soft locks and in-match desynchronizations. These issues were especially notable following the Planetfall release. Since then, multiple patches have substantially reduced their occurrence. The development team has implemented more rigorous playtesting and automated testing systems to identify potential soft lock triggers before updates are released. While occasional incidents still occur, the underlying causes have mostly been addressed, and the team is now able to respond to issues more quickly and effectively.

Parallel TCG 2025 Updates and Roadmap

Mobile Platform Optimization

Efforts to bring Parallel TCG to mobile platforms began in earnest during the second half of 2024. The initial challenge involved optimizing the game's performance for smartphones, which required streamlining code, reducing system calls, and optimizing asset loading. In April 2024, the first successful Android build reached the boot-up screen, marking a small but important step. Over the following months, compatibility and performance tests showed promising results across a range of Android and iOS devices. By early 2025, the game was running consistently well on most tested devices, although certain features like the deckbuilder and collection screens were excluded due to performance constraints.

The reduction of draw calls—from nearly 500 in late 2024 to under 30—has contributed significantly to improved mobile performance. Looking ahead, the development team is working to integrate features such as the deckbuilder into the mobile experience. This component is forecasted for release in July 2025. Continued work on other screens and interfaces is expected to further enhance mobile usability and performance, with additional updates planned in the next three patches.

Parallel TCG 2025 Updates and Roadmap

Mobile User Interface Adaptation

To support the mobile launch, the user interface underwent substantial revisions beginning in late 2024. The redesign focused on making the game functional and playable on smaller screens, prioritizing practicality over visual fidelity. Some legacy interface elements remain and continue to present usability challenges on mobile devices. These elements are being updated in stages as part of the ongoing UI improvement process. Initial community reactions to the new interface were mixed, as changes disrupted familiar layouts and navigation flows. However, the team remains committed to incremental improvements based on user feedback and testing.

Login functionality has also seen changes, with the current system supporting social sign-on options through Google and Apple. Future enhancements under consideration include implementing a native login flow within the client and exploring the option of guest login access for new users. These features aim to simplify the onboarding experience and reduce friction for first-time players.

Parallel TCG 2025 Updates and Roadmap

Looking Forward

Parallel TCG continues to evolve through structured development and responsive iteration. With full control now in the hands of the internal team, the focus remains on enhancing the core gameplay experience, expanding content through fully in-house expansions, and optimizing performance and usability across platforms. The transition to a fully internal studio marks a foundational shift in how the game is built and maintained, setting the stage for ongoing improvements and more direct community engagement. As the web3-based game continues to grow, the team is positioned to deliver a more stable, refined, and accessible experience to players.